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Close-up of creamy pasta salad with rotini shells on white marble.

Creamy Pasta Salad

A classic creamy pasta salad perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings. This recipe combines tender pasta with a tangy and flavorful dressing and crisp vegetables.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • 1 pound pasta (rotini, shells, or your favorite)
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup chopped celery
  • 0.5 cup chopped red onion
  • 0.5 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 0.5 cup shredded carrots

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta, drain, and rinse with cold water.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Add pasta, celery, red onion, bell pepper, and carrots to the dressing.
  4. Stir until well combined.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve cold.

Notes

For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.